If the goal of NRP is to empower all people in neighborhoods, maybe we should let the program die. Instead, we can give block grants to neighborhoods for city services. For housing resources, we can seek out new methods of funding. Part Two - (see separate e-mail for Part One) After the city government sets a budget amount based on projected revenues, and removes certain costs from that amount, a grant could be assigned to each neighborhood. The neighborhood associations, after a public vote, would then determine which services are most needed and allot the money accordingly. These neighborhood allotments would then go back to the city so individual departments could shift staff and other resources to meet the neighborhood-set priorities. If services do not get delivered, penalties could be imposed upon the department and/or compensation allotted to the neighborhood. If a neighborhood has a large volunteer contingent for picking up trash and clearing storm drains, that service might not be "contracted" for in that community. If another area has a high crime rate, maybe that neighborhood would consider an extra police presence in exchange for reduced snow plowing on side streets (cf. to current NRP-funded bike patrols which are voluntary overtime for police officers). Maybe neighborhoods with a high rental-to-owner-occupied population would opt for more inspectors in various departments while delaying street repairs. Neighborhoods could also use the process to request new services they would be willing to "buy." For example, if enough neighborhoods said weekly street cleaning was important, the city would be responsible for offering the service in the next round of budgeting. Meanwhile, the fire department; certain police functions, such as investigations of felonies; snow plowing of major roadways, bike paths, and walkways; intergovernmental affairs, and inter-neighborhood relations would stay with the city council and mayor. Parks, libraries, and schools could also be worked into this block-grant system. This would keep the communities "empowered" without NRP-specific money. Moreover, with priorities re-set every 2-5 years, it would encourage everyone to participate, whether new-comer or life-long resident, low-income tenant or wealthy property owner. Meanwhile, neighborhood associations could still remain active in housing development and rehabilitation. Money for specific projects would not necessarily be government-provided, though. Even with NRP, we need to pull in more money for housing. We also need to find backers who do not need as big a profit margin on development and operation as large companies demand. One suggestion for a change for which city officials could advocate is the wealth of retirees-to-be. If the federal government, followed by the state, allows IRA funds to be invested in real property, money would pour into development and building management. If this were to happen, conceivably an individual could invest in an apartment building, then rent a unit for himself or herself in that building. The wealth of ownership would accrue to the individual without the worries of homesteading. Even if the individual were evicted for failure to pay rent, the value of the building shares, with a new tenant, would still accrue to the retirement fund of the individual. Given all the new securities devices that have been developed to take advantage of the wealth of retirement money being invested in stock markets, I have no doubt the industries providing housing stock would rise to the occasion, given the opportunity. I do not like the way housing has been dealt with at any level of government. In addition, I see NRP as being very closely tied to housing policies that don't work. Nevertheless, I like the attention, even if it's only a token symbolism, government entities are forced to pay to neighborhoods because of the leverage NRP money provides. Money is a double-edged sword, though. While financial handouts make it more difficult for neighborhoods to be ignored, their use also reinforces the stereotype that only money talks. More importantly, residents moving into a neighborhood after NRP funds were allocated to specific programs effectively have been removed from any status of empowerment NRP might have provided. Rosa Field, Ward 10 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get personalized email addresses from Yahoo! Mail http://personal.mail.yahoo.com/ _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
